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paruledox
(lemmy.blahaj.zone)
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this post was submitted on 18 Jul 2023
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I think you have it backwards, the paradox of tolerance is the idea that we must be intolerant towards the intolerant, rather than showing tolerance freely to even those that wish us harm. It is seemingly a paradox because it says that to spread tolerance we have to actually be intolerant towards a specific group.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paradox_of_tolerance
And that "paradox" boils down to the intolerant saw of "you're not tolerant if you're not tolerant of intolerance"
It's a paradox b/c it's not really a paradox, but it seems like one, when couched disingenuously.
But it's like freedom. Can you really believe in freedom if you believe in law and punishment?* But can you truly be free with criminals running amok? So to have freedom, you must restrict freedom of those who would take away your freedom.
* I'm well aware lots of ppl say "no" here
A paradox is a seemingly contradictory statement which is actually not a contradiction if you look closely. That's why it's named like this. Being intolerant towards fascists and other intolerant groups is actually a way to promote tolerance, it's a tolerant act.
It's not a tolerant act, but the result is that the base level of tolerance is higher, so it's an acceptable compromise.